Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group

Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Although the specific etiology of autism is unknown, many researchers suspect that autism results from genetically mediated vulnerabilities to environmental triggers.

Is an Autism Spectrum diagnosis necessary?

My wife and I had a meeting with an early intervention specialist and a child psychologist last Thursday. The child psychologist said that she was very confident that our son falls under the autism spectrum on the high-functioning end. She also said that he already has an IFSP, so an actual diagnosis really isn't necessary because the school district will see he has special needs and address those needs. She didn't really discourage us getting an actual diagnosis because most parents do so they know what they are actually facing. Is this true? Is an actual diagnosis necessary? Please help! My mind is kind of in a blur right now and I am confused as to what I should do.

This is what I found out (my journey with a very high functioning Autistic kid). There are all kinds of help for autistic kids. There are McKay scholarship (to help pay for private school if you want to go instead of public), you can join C.A.R.D. and get help with behaviors and toilet trainning....anything from A to Z. There is a Parker scholarship out there to help also with some of this costs of getting help. I also didn't think a diagnoisis was important, but I found out that with it they also can get medicade (he might need that)...Not that your child needs a lot of help but kids with Autism need help socially (learning to play with kids ect...), speech, and behavior and as they get older they continue to need help through school and transitioning. It can be very expensive out of pocket and all of this support is there for you if you have a diagnoisis. But it is hard on you as a parent to find out for sure what is wrong. Just remember that your child is the same kid who went in to the evaluation that came out ....no matter what they say it won't determine your love for him or who he is. It is just hurtful to know the truth and I think fear is what you are feeling...just like me before I went. I have only known for short time with my son, but down deep I knew I couldn't have turned it around by myself (he needed some help). You son is who will benefit from a early diagnosis. I went to a early steps program (sounds like the same as who you spoke to)and got a free diagnoises with some of the best in the country. The school system will give a diagnoisis in about a month. My son seems like a normal kid, just a stubborn one (actually that is the disorder), and he doesn't understand some of what is being said to him...like can't answer questions I ask. He is very smart in other ways, and he knows his name, ABC'S, can count, (but he doesn't have quirky behaviors)... What kind of things did they say your son needs help in? And by the way...when you find out...just remember you can raise your kid like a normal kid, and you can choose who you and tell and not tell. It is in your power to share with friends or not. Just keep him in prayer! ope this helps.

Hi, My son has autism but he is high functioning. I just had him diagnosed at age 11. I thought he had autism earlier but he was able to get by with learning disabled diagnosis. I didnt see the point of pushing the diagnosis I thoght while the school and peditrician never expressed an autism concern.He did get early intervention and lindamode bell therapy and did very well 1st -4th grade. things got strange in 5th grade with the socilizing and the teachers expect a lot from the kids. it was the right time to push the autism diagnosis so everyone working with him could understand his needs more. He gets more sympathy and positive reinforcement. I would recomend and early diagnosis so you dont have to deal with it later.kids with autism get more services in the long run. get you son on the waiver waiting list.

Ho Jordanc,
personally I would get the actual diagnosis from a Neuro development Doctor.
You will need to be refered by your pediatrition. Then as the last 2 posts replys your son will receieve the services he needs. No matter what the school says. It is not just about what the school sees in his IEP. It is about parents knowing what excatly is going on with thier child and getting the help they need to help him. :)

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